Stagg heads to Lincoln for Game of the Week

STOCKTON – Stagg and Lincoln High football aren’t arch rivals. In fact, they haven’t played against each other in nine years.

But tonight, the attention of Stockton and San Joaquin County turns to a battle in the making at Alex G. Spanos Stadium.

Lincoln hosts Stagg at 7:30 p.m. in a matchup that has the players and their fans anticipating kickoff. For the Trojans, the time has come to put aside the rare sub-.500 season — Lincoln went 4-7 in 2013 — and return to prominence.

“We’ve got to change the way the feel is around the school,” Trojans defensive lineman Jordan McMiller said. “Everybody’s a little bit down from last season, especially being a dominant program from Stockton.”

Lincoln made the playoffs via its 4-1 league record, but No. 1 Folsom delivered a beating in the opening round. The Trojans earned their only Sac-Joaquin Section championship in 2000 and have won often since, but they still have something to prove.

“We’re bringing a more unpredictable offense. You think about Lincoln, you think about power backs — but we’re bringing speed and we have a lot of weapons this year,” Lincoln wide receiver Mark Russell said. “I’m expecting a lot of speed (from Stagg), and at the same time, they have some big offensive linemen.”

The Delta Kings' offensive line is led by Tristen Taylor, a 6-foot-7, 310-pound senior, who could give the Trojans fits both ways. He was instrumental in Stagg’s 10-2 season a year ago, in which the Delta Kings were the No. 2 seed in the Division I playoffs.

For at least the first half of the season, the Delta Kings will have a new look on offense, as converted wide receiver Lavante Bushnell takes over at quarterback. He is cognizant of Lincoln’s powerful four-man defensive front and is ready to run.

“Their defensive line likes to blitz a lot, so I have to evade a lot,” said Bushnell, a 5-8, 155-pound junior, “and probably run all night.”

Though Stagg was upended by Elk Grove-Pleasant Grove in the quarterfinals last season, a standard was set.

“We’re going into this game with big shoes to fill," Bushnell said.

Colby Dickson, the Trojans' junior quarterback, not only has to deal with the limelight of the biggest game in town, but a dangerous Stagg front four. He's ready to locate the "open holes" in the passing game, he said, and his team is ready to greet Stagg.

"First game of the season, you’re always going to be excited," Dickson said. "This one’s a little more special.”

Tonight's other games:

Sierra at Ripon, 7 p.m.

The Timberwolves and Indians both finished tied for second in their respective leagues last season and earned spots in the Division IV playoffs.

West and Lathrop hope to rebound, as the Wolf Pack has had back-to-back 1-9 seasons, and the Spartans have five wins combined the past five years.

Calaveras at McNair, 7:15 p.m.

McNair hopes to turn its program’s fortunes around, while Calaveras looks to stay a winner. The Eagles have a new quarterback in Osai Brown, a new coach in Curtis Perkins and are set to battle with the defending Mother Lode League champion Redskins.

Fair Oaks-Del Campo at Edison, 7:15 p.m.

The Vikings aren’t satisfied with playoff berths anymore. First up, Edison hosts Del Campo, which had three wins in 2013. Senior quarterback Sean Buligon and tailback Ja' Quan Williams lead the way for the Vikings.

Oakley-Freedom at Tracy, 7:15 p.m.

Tracy senior tailback Nate Jones has received statewide attention as a runner to watch after tallying 1,174 yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior. The Bulldogs are defending league champions.

Modesto-Gregori at Chavez, 7:15 p.m.

The Titans return a prolific passer in senior Julius Davila, who threw 18 touchdowns last season.

Gregori routed Chavez 39-13 to open last year.

Hercules at Tokay (Grape Bowl, Lodi), 7:15 p.m.

The Tigers return from an 8-3 playoff campaign, and quarterback Grayson Dillon takes over for league MVP Kelse DePauli-Wiltse.

East Union at Modesto-Grace Davis (Modesto Junior College), 7:30 p.m.

The Lancers look to build upon a winless Valley Oak League season, opening at Modesto. East Union senior linebacker Angel Roblero is one of a handful of returners, and a key leader on defense. Davis beat East Union 26-13 to open last year.